20:35 16 July 2026
Lack of water harming Poland’s food self-sufficiency
Polish agriculture is facing a growing water shortage that is reducing yields and increasing production costs. Around 38% of the country’s agricultural and forest areas are highly exposed to drought, with particularly serious risks in central and northwestern Poland. Low winter precipitation, limited snow cover and increasingly irregular rainfall mean that water runs off quickly instead of remaining in the soil. Spring crops are especially vulnerable, although winter crops, meadows and pastures are also affected.
Poland’s wheat yield is forecast to fall by 6% y/y, but lower domestic output may not raise grain prices because they depend largely on global markets. Experts warn that without better water retention, Poland could eventually lose its food self-sufficiency.
(pb.pl)
